Daniela Saldana Gurgol

Personal Statement

Hola! Hello! My name is Daniela Saldana Gurgol (she/hers/ella).

I am a bilingual transborder kid who grew up in the U.S./Mexico border cities of Tijuana and San Diego.  I am a first-generation college student in the U.S. and proud alum of the community college system, transferring out of state to earn my bachelor's degree. I completed high school in Tijuana, earned an A.A. in General Studies from Southwestern College, B.A. in Marketing from Simmons University and M.A. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of San Diego. My lived experiences, along with my professional journey, fuel my passion to be an agent of change and close educational equity gaps.

My parents nurtured my passion for education, reason why I have professional experience in different sectors of education such as educational technology, non-profit and higher education. Prior to my current role, I worked at San Diego State University as the Director of the Center for Intercultural Relations where I oversaw strategic initiatives connected to First-Year Experience programs, peer mentoring, academic advising and multicultural programming. As the Director of Student Retention at South Seattle College, it is an honor to support the Assistant Director of Retention and Retention Specialists to provide support that is holistic, community-driven and asset-based.

If there is anything I can do to support your success, please let me know. I always have great snacks and affirmation cards available in the office.

"Ya tienes el no, que mas da intentar" -Mi mamá
"If you already got the no, it wouldn't hurt to try." -My mom

"Mija, no te compares con nadie más. Tu eres tu única competencia." -Mi papá
"Mija (an endearment term for daughter), don't compare yourself with anyone else. You are your only competition." -My dad